Opinion

Let’s start with some facts. Global tourism is racing at four per cent growth and is the fourth-fastest-growing industry on the planet. Canada is lagging at two per cent.

In September 2011, Premier Christy Clark put $24 million toward accelerating B.C.’s mining-permit process. More than a year later, free-entry mineral staking continues to cost investors, the public and indigenous peoples time and money.

It was gratifying to see the response to my column last week on the problems of poor spelling. People care. There’s hope for literacy. As I finished that column, I cringed a bit.

What if the new temporary budget watchdog that Premier Christy Clark has hired actually barks? In the context of former bank economist Tim O’Neill’s arrival on the scene, it would be unusual to hear much of anything from him.

Check out Sandra's article on Eli s abeth in the Times Colonist: Health Challenge participant Elisabeth Westlake 'feeling it everywhere’ Sandra McCulloch / Times Colonist January 30, 2013

Twenty years from now, many colleges and universities will be closed, their classrooms deserted and their students learning at home. These are the predictions of many post-secondary commentators these days.

Every party claims to be building a better future for our children. And every voter will find reasons for believing their party of choice is the best for their children.

Auditor general John Doyle’s quest for details of the B.C. Rail legal payout ran smack into the wall of solicitor-client privilege on Tuesday. The wall is still standing.

Wednesdays are my new favourite day of the week. Why? Well, I get to see how well I'm doing with this whole weight loss thing.

As modern-day political theatre goes, few events match the pomp of a U.S. presidential inauguration. Last week’s occasion was marked with colourful marching bands which paraded by elaborate imperial viewing stands. Choirs sang. Flags fluttered.